[Laparoscopic surgery in the rat: description of a new technique]

We report a method of laparoscopic surgery in the rat. Our technique is illustrated by gastric fundoplication requiring two handed dissection, suturing, and knot tying. This animal model for laparoscopic surgery is relatively inexpensive, can be extended to other operations, and makes use of an extensively studied animal. These factors may facilitate investigation of the physiologic effects of minimal access surgery.